Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 1, 2025

Weekly Marketing Rundown - October 24, 2025 Welcome to this week’s edition of Kavanah Media’s Weekly Marketing Rundown! In this issue, we explore the Meta's new Andromeda system, the AWS outage, predictions for social media's future and more.  Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Meta AI Conversations Will Be Used for Ads Meta announced that starting December 16th, it will use your chats with Meta AI to help decide what content and ads you see. These AI conversations won’t directly create new ad targeting categories, but they will add to the data Meta already uses to personalize your experience. This move has sparked debate about whether AI chats should be treated like private messages or more like search history. For Mission Teams: Meta will have even more data to help match ads with the right people. It could improve ad performance, but teams should also be aware of privacy concerns and how users might react. Marketers may need to adjust strategies to stay transparent and build trust as AI becomes part of the ad targeting process. http://jonloomer.com/qvt/meta-ai-conversations-target-ads/ Big AWS Outage Shuts Down Websites and Apps Amazon Web Services (AWS) had a major outage that caused many websites and apps to stop working for several hours. The problem came from a network glitch, and it affected things like banking apps, streaming services, and company tools. AWS fixed the issue, but it showed how much the internet depends on their cloud system. For Mission Teams: If those tools go down, campaigns can pause, data can be lost, and users might have a bad experience. Teams should think about backup systems, check service status often, and plan for what to do if something like this happens again. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-aws-outage-2025/ Meta Andromeda: Why Mixing Up Your Ads Matters Meta’s new Andromeda system (the new ad delivery system) doesn’t just pick one “best” ad—it spreads out delivery across different versions to learn what works. Jon Loomer explains that advertisers should use a mix of creative types like different images, videos, headlines, primary text, calls-to-action, and formats (like single image vs. carousel). This helps Meta gather better data and avoid showing the same ad too often, which can make people stop paying attention. For Mission Teams: Teams should leverage different creative types and formats, enable Creative+ Enhancements and leveraging Adv.+ optimizations whenever possible as this approach can improve long-term ad performance and reach more people effectively. https://www.jonloomer.com/meta-andromeda-creative-diversification/ Meta Lead Ads: What’s Changing in October 2025 Meta is updating its Lead Ads system to give users more control over how their data is collected and used. Starting October 2025, advertisers must clearly explain why they’re asking for personal info and how it will be used. Meta will also require more transparency in lead forms and may limit how much data advertisers can collect without a clear reason. For Mission Teams: This matters for marketing teams because it changes how lead generation campaigns are built and approved. Teams will need to update their forms, rethink what data they really need, and make sure everything is easy for users to understand. It could also affect how quickly leads are collected and how much targeting data is available. https://giovanniperilli.com/en/blog/meta-lead-ads-october-2025-the-new-rules-and-what-really-changes/ No Consent, No Ads: Google’s New Privacy Rule Google now requires websites to follow the EU Consent Policy if you have end users in the EU—even for non-personalized ads. If your site doesn’t send proper consent signals, Google can suspend your entire ad account. To stay compliant, you should use a certified Consent Management Platform (CMP), check your consent setup in Google Tag Manager, and test it using GA4 DebugView and Ads consent mode reports. For Mission Teams: This is important for marketing teams because ignoring consent rules could shut down all ad activity. Teams should check their emails or Google Ads accounts to see if they have new Action Required notifications and also make sure their websites collect and send the right privacy signals, or risk losing access to Google Ads. Please reach out to us here at Kavanah Media if you need assistance with GDPR compliance. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ads-news-week-42-adriaan-dekker-rn3qe/ Facebook’s “Group Highlights” Make Private Posts More Public Facebook’s new “Group Highlights” feature lets private groups share selected member posts outside the group. Members must give permission before their content is shown, and highlights can appear on the group’s front page, in Facebook search, or even on Google. AI may help pick which posts to show, but names and profile pictures are hidden for now. For Mission Teams: Missionaries utilizing Facebook groups in their digital engagement strategies can experiment with this feature to broaden their reach. However, they must proceed with caution, ensuring user consent and addressing security concerns. Furthermore, missionaries operating in secure areas should reassess the groups they follow to confirm that their sensitive information is not being shared publicly on the platform. https://www.facebook.com/help/970710061848673?cms_platform=iphone-app&helpref=platform_switcher What Social Media Might Look Like in 2026 This article from Social Media Today shares 36 predictions about how social media could change by 2026. Experts think platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook will focus more on AI, short videos, and private messaging. There’s also talk about more rules for content, better tools for creators, and new ways for people to shop directly through social apps. For Mission Teams: Some examples from the list include: AI-generated content becoming normal, private messaging replacing public posts, creators getting paid directly through platforms, and social apps becoming shopping hubs. These changes could affect how brands and mission teams handle digital security, ad targeting, and customer engagement. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/36-predictions-social-media-marketing-2026/802195/ Instagram Reels Tries Skippable Ads Like YouTube Meta is testing skippable ads on Instagram Reels, similar to how YouTube does it. Users will see a countdown before the ad starts and then get a “skip” button. Right now, creators won’t earn money from these ads, and Meta says the goal is to help businesses get noticed without annoying viewers. For Mission Teams: This test could change how ads are made and placed on Reels. It may push brands to create more engaging content quickly, since users can skip. https://www.adweek.com/media/meta-is-testing-skippable-ads-on-instagram-reels-borrowing-from-youtubes-playbook/ Marketers Still Trust Real People Over AI User-generated content (UGC)—like videos, reviews, and posts made by everyday people—is still the top choice for marketers. A recent report shows that 36% of marketers say UGC is extremely important, while only 2% feel that way about AI-generated content. Gen Z spends a lot of time watching UGC, showing that people want real, relatable content—not computer-made stuff. For Mission Teams: This suggests teams should consider pulling back on using AI to make content and leaning into user generated content. Localized authentic content is best, but teams working in secure fields should be cautious. As always, these findings are primarily based in Western markets. Teams should experiment in their own locations. https://content-naf.emarketer.com/social-media-strategists-value-ugc-over-ai Social Media Stops Sending Traffic to News Sites Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram are sending way fewer clicks to news websites—down 30% since 2022. That’s a drop from 1.75 billion to 1.22 billion referrals. While platforms test new ways to boost link engagement, short videos and algorithm changes are making it harder for traditional news posts to get seen. Link-in-bio tools are growing, but they mostly help online shopping. For Mission Teams: Because social media platforms may limit the visibility of posts containing external links, marketing teams should think about alternative ways to share links — like putting them in bios or comments — to maintain reach and avoid algorithmic penalties. https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-media-trends-a6e42ba0-ae85-11f0-87d6-3dbac628b68f.html Stay Equipped for Digital Engagement  At Kavanah Media, we’re committed to helping mission teams use digital tools to make God known around the world. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical insights, or in-depth strategy, we’ve got resources to help: Kavanah Media Blog – Learn from our experiences serving hundreds of mission teams worldwide. We share practical lessons, real stories, and best practices to help your team avoid mistakes and grow in digital outreach. Subscribe here. YouVersion Reading Plan– Jon Ralls, CEO of Kavanah Media, just launched a powerful 8-day devotional on YouVersion called "Living in Tension." Subscribe here Digital Strategies got you stumped? Reach out anytime—we’re ready to help. Contact Us Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: October 24, 2025

Weekly Marketing Rundown - August 8, 2025 Welcome to this week’s edition of Kavanah Media’s Weekly Marketing Rundown! In this issue we cover Meta's new "Review Keywords," AI enhancement, Youtube's decision regarding AI slop, the dangers of an over sanitized social media presence and more. Enjoying the Weekly Marketing Rundown? Support our work and keep it free for missions teams worldwide: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/donatetoKM Meta to Stop Political and Social Issue Ads in EU Starting in early October 2025, Meta will no longer allow paid political, electoral, or social issue ads in the European Union. This change is a response to the EU’s new Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) law. For Mission Teams: While digital evangelism ads typically are not typically political or tied to social issues, teams are strongly advised to avoid content that could be interpreted that way to prevent ad rejections or delays. It’s also important to research local advertising laws related to political and social issues, as both regulations and Meta’s enforcement can vary significantly by country. https://about.fb.com/news/2025/07/ending-political-electoral-and-social-issue-advertising-in-the-eu Meta Tests New “Review Keywords” Ad Feature A Meta AI enhancement now in testing—called Review Keywords—can automatically display positive keywords from your Facebook Page reviews under your ads. For example, phrases like “Great service” or “Fast shipping” may appear below your ad creative. This feature is part of testing under Advantage+ Creative and may appear in less than 5% of impressions in participating ad accounts.  For Mission Teams: For mission teams whose Facebook Pages collect endorsements—such as event or ministry feedback—this feature can help add social proof to ads effortlessly. Conversely, if a page has negative reviews it could have the opposite effect. However, since it’s still in testing and represents minimal impressions, it’s best to monitor its impact closely. If a team is unsure, simply turn off the enhancement. https://www.jonloomer.com/qvt/review-keywords-enhancement/ Facebook Updates Data Privacy and Transfer Terms Meta has updated its platform terms related to data privacy and international data transfers, specifically focusing on the Developer Features and Customer Data Protection Terms and its Privacy Policy on Data Transfers. These updates clarify Meta’s expectations for developers and advertisers regarding data collection, processing, and cross-border data transfers, especially in light of legal requirements like the GDPR and other international data agreements. For Mission Teams: When using Meta tools like Facebook Ads or APIs, it’s important to be mindful of how user data is handled—especially in regions with strict privacy laws. Teams running campaigns in or targeting countries listed in Meta’s legal addendum should ensure their data practices comply with local regulations. In some cases, such as in Türkiye, this includes appointing local parties to act as representatives on behalf of the company or ministry. This requirement presents a double-edged challenge. Non-compliance can result in steep fines and legal consequences, while compliance may involve disclosing sensitive details—such as identities, types of data collected, and the purpose—to local authorities. For teams operating in politically sensitive areas, this level of transparency may not be feasible, making strategic planning and legal consultation essential. https://developers.facebook.com/terms/dfc_platform_terms/ https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/Privacy/Transfers For More Info on Data Laws and how they might effect you and your team please see this previous edition of the Weekly Marketing Rundown: https://www.kavanahmedia.com/resources/90567/weekly-marketing-rundown-july-17-2025 Google Search Indexing Meta Ai Chats Meta’s AI app enables users to share conversations publicly in a “Discover” feed—and Google is indexing that content. Even private chats, like medical questions or contact information, can appear in search results if shared—unlike ChatGPT, which ended this practice. Meta has since added clear warnings before users share chats, but confusion remains about the visibility of those posts. For Mission Teams: For mission teams, this raises major privacy concerns. Communications with chatbots—even those meant for ministry or outreach—might become automatically searchable online if shared. Teams should be cautious about using AI platforms, train users on sharing risks, and avoid sharing any content with sensitive or personal details. https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-ai-chat-google-search-openai-chatgpt-2025-8 YouTube Tightens Rules on AI-Generated “Slop” Content YouTube is updating its monetization policy starting July 15, 2025, to crack down on repetitive, low-effort, AI-generated videos—often called “AI slop.” The update aims to ensure monetized videos include meaningful content and originality, not just generic voiceovers or recycled visuals. YouTube says this is a refinement of existing standards, not a major shift. For Mission Teams: This trend is a good reminder to prioritize quality over quantity. If you’re using AI to help create content (like Bible stories, animations, or voiceovers), make sure your videos include real value—like commentary, personal testimony, or custom visuals. The algorithm is watching for authenticity. https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-partner-monetization-policy-changes-3575999/ Instagram Increasingly Favors Fresh Creator Posts Meta reported that more than two-thirds of Instagram’s suggested content in the U.S. now comes from original creators. It reflects Meta’s ongoing effort to highlight unique, user-generated posts. For Mission Teams: As platforms prioritize original content, teams relying solely on pre-made media like the Jesus Film may see a drop in organic engagement, especially if relying only on organic traffic. To stay visible, it’s smart to balance strategies—mixing paid ads and organic posting with both pre-made and original content can help maintain reach and relevance. As always, experimentation is recommended. https://s21.q4cdn.com/399680738/files/doc_financials/2025/q2/META-Q2-2025-Earnings-Call-Transcript.pdf Scrubbing Your Social Media Can Sometimes Do More Harm Than Good Employers, governments and social media platforms themselves are increasingly relying on users' social media presence for things like identity verification, vetting and more. Deleting every old post or comment from your social media in an effort to present a perfectly clean profile may actually backfire. Experts caution that overly sanitized feeds can raise suspicion, look inauthentic, or hide personality traits that employers value—leading them to view candidates as overly cautious or even untrustworthy. For Mission Teams: Even though mission teams aren’t job hunting, their internet presence still matters—especially when applying for visas, residency, or launching digital outreach. Deleted or overly sanitized social media profiles can raise red flags, and platforms like Meta may even flag new accounts used for advertising as suspicious or bot-like. Building a genuine online presence that follows basic cybersecurity practices is recommended. If cleaning up accounts is necessary, it should be done carefully to preserve authenticity. For teams with no digital footprint, starting one is a smart move. https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariagraciasantillanalinares/2025/08/02/how-scrubbing-your-social-media-could-backfire-and-even-hurt-your-job-prospects/ UAE Now Requires Permit for Social Media Promotions The UAE has introduced a new rule requiring anyone—residents or visitors—who post promotional content on social media to obtain an official “Advertiser Permit.” This includes both paid and unpaid promotions across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The law goes into effect October 2025. Residents can apply for a free three-year permit, while visitors must apply for a temporary three-month permit through an agency. Penalties for non-compliance can reach up to AED 1 million. For Missions Teams: The impact of these emerging laws on foreign companies—including missions teams overseeing digital engagement initiatives—remains uncertain. It will be important to observe how social media platforms adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape. As the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye implement new legislation targeting digital marketers and data controllers, organizations will likely need to reassess and modify their strategies to remain compliant and effective. https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/30/uae-social-media-advertiser-permit/ Stay Equipped for Digital Engagement At Kavanah Media, we’re committed to helping mission teams use digital tools to make God known around the world. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical insights, or in-depth strategy, we’ve got resources to help: Kavanah Media Blog – Learn from our experiences serving hundreds of mission teams worldwide. We share practical lessons, real stories, and best practices to help your team avoid mistakes and grow in digital outreach. Subscribe here. YouVersion Reading Plan– Jon Ralls, CEO of Kavanah Media, just launched a powerful 8-day devotional on YouVersion called "Living in Tension." Subscribe here Digital Strategies got you stumped? Reach out anytime—we’re ready to help. Contact Us Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on Instagram @kavanah_media and stay connected through all our social media channels via the link below. https://linktr.ee/kavanah_media Authors: Cody A. and Cherry Messimer Article Published: August 8, 2025